Katy Perry $20 Mil ‘Idol’ Offer Rejected

“American Idol” desperately wanted Katy Perry to fill one of its vacant judge’s seats, so much so, they offered her $20 MILLION … but she she still turned it down … TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the production tell TMZ … “Idol” pursued Perry relentlessly for weeks, eager to get her to sign on the dotted line. According to our sources, they started the offer at $18 million, but threw even more cash on the table … $20 MILLION for a one year contract!!!

We’re told Katy made it clear … she was NOT interested and money wasn’t the issue.

Sources tell us … aside from the fact that Katy’s schedule made it impossible to do the show … she just didn’t think it was right career choice for her.